Cowboys Schedule Gives Micah Parsons Chance to be 'Defensive Face of the NFL'
The 2023 NFL schedule has been released, and it features some intriguing games for the Dallas Cowboys, such as their Week 5 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, a grudge match amongst NFC rivals.
Over the past two seasons, the 49ers have not only made a habit of knocking the Cowboys out of the playoffs in one-score games, but their players have also taken home more of the hardware at award shows.
Last year All-Pro first-team edge rushing honors were awarded to San Francisco's Nick Bosa and Dallas' Micah Parsons, but the Defensive Player of the Year trophy went home with Bosa as Parsons finished runner-up.
Gracious in defeat, Parsons gave Bosa credit as being deserving of the DPOY, expressing admiration for his game in an interview with NBC Sports.
"He definitely a m*********r to go against," Parsons said. "He's a dog."
Although defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has publicly stated that Parsons won't be transitioning into a full-time defensive end this season, the Cowboy has bulked up to improve as a pass rusher. So, could this be the year when the Dallas star finally steps out of the San Francisco frontman's shadow?
Parsons was drafted as a linebacker but quickly asserted himself as a Swiss Army knife capable of wreaking havoc anywhere on the defense, especially rushing the passer.
Since 2021 when Parsons entered the league, he ranks sixth in sacks with 26.5, while Bosa ranks first with 34. However, there's an argument to be made that Bosa only trumps Parsons in sacks because they've had vastly different roles on defense.
Though both have played 33 games during that span and are tied with six forced fumbles, Parsons has more touchdowns, fumble recoveries, and significantly more combined tackles at 149 versus Bosa's 102.
Now that Parsons has emphasized improving as a pass rusher, this season may allow him a fair shot at asserting himself as the superior sack artist.
Still on rookie contracts at the young ages of 24 [Parsons] and 25 [Bosa] when they oppose one another in Week 5, the two have star power making them the defensive equivalent of watching quarterbacks such as the Buffalo Bills Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs go head to head in the AFC.
Come Week 5 of the 2023 NFL season, when the Cowboys and 49ers go toe-to-toe, fans will observe much more than a typical regular-season matchup. They could very well witness the crowning of the new defensive face of the NFL.
You can follow Isaiah DeAnda Delgado on Twitter and Instagram @IsaiahDDelgado.
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